Emerald Ash Borer Survey

The Emerald Ash Borer Survey is a cooperative effort by Clemson-DPI and USDA-APHIS-PPQ to protect South Carolina’s agricultural economy and preserve a safe and healthy environment.  DPI or contractors have placed hundreds of purple traps throughout the state for many years.   EAB was detected in 2017 and a state quarantine was issued on October 2, 2017. This quarantine is effective until further notice.  Similar surveys in North Carolina and Georgia resulted in first detections of EAB in 2013. 

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an enormous threat to our urban, suburban and rural forests.  EAB kills stressed and healthy trees and is so aggressive that ash trees may die within two or three years after they become infested.  High-risk areas include deciduous forests with ash species, campgrounds and residential areas where ash has been planted.

Trap motoring continues with the purpose of identifying EAB in forested areas appropriate for possible biocontrol release.  Traps are monitored and lure is replaced periodically.  Research shows that purple traps were the most successful in detecting the presence of EAB.  Additionally, the lure used in EAB trapping mimics stressed ash trees to attract borers that are already in the area.  The purple trap does not lure beetles into a new area but is simply a tool for detecting the EAB that is already present.